Real estate article: The Bathroom Reno - Get it Right!

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Along with the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the key rooms people pay attention to when buying a house. If you've decided to renovate, then it's important to get it right.

Designers Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan suggest a bathroom should be designed with two considerations in mind:

Convenience - It should provide an efficient place for washing, hairstyling, and make-up. You should be able to get in and get out, and find everything in its place. The bathroom is a haven for germs, so it should be easy to clean as well.

Comfort - A bathroom is not just for quick fix-ups before work, but a place to de-stress as well. It should provide a comfortable atmosphere; a quiet place to get away from it all.

Here are some of the key things to avoid when renovating a bathroom:

Carpet: Never put carpeting in a bathroom. It retains moisture, germs, and is difficult to keep clean. If you want warmth under your feet, install heated flooring.

Bright walls: Gaudy, brightly colored walls, though well intentioned, are just eyesores. Keep bathroom walls white or ivory, and add color with accenting tiles and accessories.

Cheap laminate flooring: There are laminates and then there are laminates. The really cheap flooring looks similar to the expensive brands, but is no more than compressed chip board with a wood pattern on top; just add water and watch it expand! Spend the money and purchase moisture resistant brands such as bamboo, teak, or opt for tile flooring.

Keep toiletries out of sight: No one needs to see your collection of prescriptions and jars of salve. Get baskets to store those items out of sight and keep the counter clean and free of cosmetics and other paraphernalia.

Wallpaper: Although moisture resistant products are more common, even expensive, good quality wallpaper can peel when subjected to humidity on a daily basis. It also takes away from the clean look that is obtained from a bathroom friendly paint.

About the author of The Bathroom Reno - Get it Right!

The professional RE/MAX REALTOR® team of Barker & Hedges can handle all of your St. Paul real estate needs. View the listings in all of the Saint Paul neighborhoods, such as Highland Park, MN real estate.